The California Highway Patrol released a report Monday summarizing several new laws approved by the California legislature this year that are scheduled to take effect in 2019.

Roadway Laws

AB 2115 – Passing Waste Service Vehicles – This new law improves safety conditions for sanitation workers by requiring drivers to move into an adjacent lane and pass at a safe distance when approaching or overtaking a collection vehicle with its amber lights flashing. If the maneuver described is not possible, drivers must slow to a safe and reasonable speed.

AB 1755 – Bicycle Hit-and-Run on Bike Path – This law extends the provisions of the felony hit-and-run law to cyclists on bike paths. This requires witnesses to any collision resulting in death or injury to stop at the scene as is the case on roads and allows law enforcement to hold individuals accountable for reckless behavior on bike paths.

Helmet Usage

AB 3077 – Bicycle Helmets – Those under 18 without a helmet while riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or skates will be issued a “fix-it” ticket requiring the minor to complete a bicycle safety course and show proof of having a helmet that meets safety standards within 120 days to the issuing law enforcement agency.

AB 2989 – Helmet Use on Motorized Scooters – Bicycle helmets are no longer required when operating a motorized scooter for those age 18 or older. Motorized scooters may be used in bike lanes and on highways with speed limits up to 25 miles per hour, however, local jurisdictions can pass laws to allow for use on highways with speed limits up to 35 miles per hour. It remains illegal to use a motorized scooter on sidewalks.

Mandatory Fines For Exhaust Violations

AB 1824 – Certain Vehicle Exhaust Violations No Longer Correctible – Previously, drivers cited for modified or excessively loud exhaust or mufflers could correct their violation to avoid a fine, but now a fine will be mandatory and non-correctable.

For more information regarding vehicle-related laws, visit the CHP website here.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.